Portable carrying case

ABSTRACT

A portable carrying for transporting cosmetics, office tools and the like holds a series of desired implements in a ready to use position by providing a flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid, carrying case having an attachable surface thereon, which permits removably attaching at least one small item thereto, preferably using a hook and loop assembly.

[0001] This invention relates to a portable carrying case and moreparticularly to a portable carrying case adapted to provide easy accessto office items, cosmetics, or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In this hectic world, portability offers great advantages. If anitem or a series of items can be contained and transported simply, greatadvantage can be obtained. The container must, however, provide bothease of storage and access to the items contained therein, whilesacrificing the desire of neither aspect. However, clearly theserequirements work against each other. Ease of storage for a containerholding a plurality of items requires a relatively small size. The smallsize works against ease of access. A larger size for a carrying case,which permits the holding or storage of a number of items, works againstease of storage.

[0003] Furthermore, the items within the container must have a specifiedposition. In providing a rather small container, fixed positions aredifficult to obtain. Additionally, holding a plurality of small itemswithin such a container complicates the issue.

[0004] For example, a suitable cosmetic case requires items such aslipstick, eyeliner, rouge, powder, lotion, fragrance, and the like.While all of these items are available in small containers, no effectivemechanism exists for efficient storing the items, while maintainingaccess thereto.

[0005] In order to have the access to these items, a container holdingthese items must have ease of storage, while providing accessibility toeach item. Thus each item must have a set place in the container, and beeasily removed therefrom or returned thereto.

[0006] If an office container is desired, the cosmetic items arereplaced with office items. Typical of the office items are a stapler, awriting instrument, a note pad, a business cardholder and the like. Theitems also, as the cosmetic items must be, are required to be kept atthe ready. No container exists to accomplish these features ofmaximizing the portability of the carrying case, while minimizing thesize thereof, and, at the same, providing good access to the contentsthereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Among the many objectives of this invention is providing aportable carrying case for holding a plurality of small items.

[0008] A further objective of this invention is the provision of aportable carrying case with a positioning device.

[0009] Yet a further objective of this invention is the provision of aportable carrying case providing access to a plurality of small items.

[0010] A still further objective of this invention is the provision of aportable carrying case being foldable.

[0011] Also, an objective of this invention is the provision of aportable carrying case with a pouch.

[0012] Another objective of this invention is the provision of aportable carrying case having closable assembly.

[0013] Yet another objective of this invention is the provision of aportable carrying case having improved utility.

[0014] Still, another objective of this invention is the provision of aportable carrying case capable of being rolled in order to close thesame.

[0015] A further objective of this invention is the provision of aportable carrying case with a cover.

[0016] These and other objectives of the invention (which otherobjectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claimsand drawings as a whole) are met by providing a flexible, rigid, orsemi-rigid, carrying case having an attachable surface thereon, whichpermits removably attaching at least one small item thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a flexible carrying case 100of this invention, in closed position 120.

[0018]FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a flexible carrying case 100of this invention, in open position 130, showing case storage side 132.

[0019]FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a flexible carrying case 100of this invention, which is a reverse view of FIG. 2.

[0020]FIG. 4 depicts an exploded, perspective view of a semi-rigidcarrying case 200 of this invention.

[0021]FIG. 5 depicts a front plan view of a semi-rigid carrying case 200of this invention.

[0022]FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a semi-rigid carrying case 200 ofthis invention.

[0023]FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a closable carrying case 300of this invention having a double door assembly 302.

[0024]FIG. 8 depicts a front, plan view of the closable carrying case300 of this invention in closed position 302.

[0025]FIG. 9 depicts a side view of the closable carrying case 300 ofthis invention based on FIG. 8.

[0026]FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a hinged carrying case 350of this invention.

[0027] Throughout the figures of the drawings, where the same partappears in more than one figure of the drawings, the same number isapplied thereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The container provides various positioning points for individualitems. Preferably, the holding mechanism for each of the positioningpoints is a hook and loop assembly. Mounted on the container is one sideof the hook and loop assembly in either a continuous or discontinuanceaction. The other part of the hook and loop assembly is mounted on eachitem, for which support within the container is desired.

[0029] The container may be a flexible material, a rigid material, or asemi-rigid material. With a flexible material, it is possible to roll upthe container in order to close the same and provide for easy storage.If the material is rigid or semi-rigid, the portable carrying may becompleted by placing that material in a bag or other protective item fortransportation. When use is desired, storage procedures may be reversed.

[0030] Any material may be used to form the portable carrying cases. Aninexpensive material may be used to manufacture a utilitarian case. Moreexpensive materials may be used for high fashion versions of theportable carrying case, whether the case is flexible, semi-rigid orrigid.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, flexible carryingcase 100 includes flexible sheet 118 having a holding mechanism 122mounted thereon. Clearly, the holding mechanism 122 is also flexible. Inthis fashion, when flexible carrying case 100 is rolled up, any article124 may be contained therein.

[0032] Article 124 includes thereon a fixing device 126 adapted to beremovably secured to holding mechanism 122. Fixing device 126 andholding mechanism 122 combine to provide rolled closure 128 (FIG. 1). Atypical material for fixing device 126 is part of a hook and loopassembly, commonly available under the registered trademark VELCRO.Holding mechanism 122 and fixing device 126 may be of any suitable type.However, the hook and loop assembly available under the RegisteredTrademark VELCRO is preferred.

[0033] Flexible sheet 118 has holding mechanism 122 on storage side 132.Outside view 134 is oppositely disposed from storage side 132, and isvisible when flexible carrying case 100 is closed position 120 in theform of rolled closure 128. Optionally, a clasp 136 on the edge ofrolled closure 128 provides assistance in the opening and closing of theflexible holding device 100.

[0034] Flexible sheet 118 permits flexible holding device 100 to beplaced any suitable position. For example, if flexible holding device100 provides a cosmetic kit, flexible sheet 118 may be placed on the legof the user (not shown) while in a seated position. Even a vehicledriving position is a possible user position for the flexible holdingdevice 100. Holding mechanism 122 and fixing device 126 provide forkeeping various cosmetic elements convenient to use.

[0035] Flexible holding device 100 is stored by rolling up flexiblesheet 100, with articles or implements 124 inside. Flexible fastener 140is of any suitable type. Typical of flexible fastener 140 is a snapassembly, a clip assembly, a hook and loop assembly (available under theregistered trademark VELCRO). The hook and loop assembly is preferredfor flexible fastener 140.

[0036] Clearly, flexible mirror 150 may be permanently or removablysecured in flexible holding device 100 if desired. Most uses of flexibleholding device 100 are anticipated to require a mirror.

[0037] With FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, semi-rigid case 200 is depicted.Semi-rigid case 200 includes a support stand 202. Extending upwardlyfrom support stand 202 and is implement face 204. Implement face 204also has one or more holding mechanisms 122 fixed thereon. With a fixingdevice 126 secured to various pieces of small office equipment orcosmetic elements, implement face 204, through holding mechanism 122,may receive fixing device 126 and whatever is secured thereto.Furthermore, while holding mechanism 122 is shown as a continuous stripin a preferred fashion, a discontinuous form of holding mechanism 122 isoperable.

[0038] Support stand 202 is sufficient to hold implement face 204 in adesired position. Again, whatever implement, having fixing device 126thereon is desired, may be easily accessed from implement face 204,used, and then replaced, any desired number of times. Support stand 202may be solidly connected to implement face 204. Additionally, a mirror322 may be secured to implement face 204 if desired.

[0039] Additionally, support stand 202 may be solid as shown; or movablyconnected to implement face 204, by a standard snap support (not shown).Such a snap support may permit support stand 202 to be moved parallel toimplement face 204, in order to simplify storage and also may holdsupport stand 202 at an angle to implement face 204, in order to permitimplement face 204 to stand at an angle and provide better access to oruse of any implement 124.

[0040] Adjacent to the juncture of implement face 204 and support stand204, on implement face 204 is arcuate holder 208. Arcuate holder 208provides an elongated open member adapted to receive a tube such aslipstick or the like for a cosmetic case. A writing instrument, or thelike, may be received in arcuate holder 208 for an office case.

[0041] If desired, semi-rigid carrying case 200 may be transported inpouch 210. Pouch 210 may be made of any suitable material. Pouch 210includes a flexible container 212, without or with drawstring 214.Drawstring 214 facilitates opening and closing of flexible container212. Likewise, drawstring 214 facilitates semi-rigid carrying case 200being removed from or placed into pouch 210. Pouch 210 thus simplifiestransport of semi-rigid carrying case 200.

[0042] Still, another modification of a carrying case, within the scopeof this invention, is depicted in FIG. 7, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 with theshowing of closable carrying case 300. Closable carrying case 300 has acenter support 304 for double door assembly 302. Center support 304 hasa first door 306 secured by hinges 308 to a first side 310 thereof.Center support 304 also has a second door 312 secured by hinges 314 to asecond side 316 thereof. Locking mechanism 318 secures first door 306 tothe second door 312 and provides a fixed closure for closable carryingcase 300.

[0043] Both first door 306, second door 312 and center support 304 mayinclude framing members 320 around the edge thereof. Such a structureprovides a bag for closable carrying case 300 and permits some morestorage. Clearly fixing device 122 and a holding device 126 may bepositioned therein appropriately. More particularly, fixing device 122is positionable within framing members 320. Any item which does notexceed the side of framing members 320 may be secured therein so long asholding device 126 is present.

[0044] If desired, solid mirror 322 may be fixed therein if desired. Infact, solid mirror 322 or flexible mirror 150 may be placed or securedin any carrying case of this invention, as desired. Also, base stand 324may assist holding solid mirror 322 and closable carrying case 300 at adesired angle of use 326. Preferably, angle of use 326 ranges from aboutfive degrees to about 25 degrees from the vertical. More preferably,angle of use 326 ranges from about eight degrees to about 20 degrees.Preferably, angle of use 326 ranges from about nine degrees to about 14degrees.

[0045] In FIG. 10, hinged carrying case 350 has a fixed base 352 toreceive any desired item, whether cosmetics, office tools or the like.On fixed base 352 is holding mechanism 122. At one side of fixed base352 is gusset 354. Mounted to gusset 354 is fixed cover 356. Standardlatch assembly 358 connects fixed base 352 and fixed cover 356 in areleasable closed position and is oppositely disposed from gusset 354.Even mirror 322 may be secured therein if desired, as a preferredembodiment. Thus, hinged carrying case 350 provides a clutch typecosmetic case or the like.

[0046] Clearly implement 124 can be any desired tool storable on anydevice of this invention. Flexible carrying case 100, semi-rigidcarrying case 200, closable carrying case 300, or hinged carrying case350 store a plurality of implements 124. Each implement 124, storedtherein, may be the same or different. If a cosmetic case is desired,implements 124 may be a desired selection of cosmetics. If a portableoffice case is desired, implements 124 may be a desired selection ofoffice tools. Clearly implements 124 may be tools, baking ingredients,or the like. All that is required is that fixed device 126 be attachedto each implement 124, which may in turn be mounted on holding mechanism122.

[0047] This application—taken as a whole with the abstract,specification, claims, and drawings being combined—provides sufficientinformation for a person having ordinary skill in the art to practicethe invention as disclosed and claimed herein. Any measures necessary topractice this invention are well within the skill of a person havingordinary skill in this art after that person has made a careful study ofthis disclosure.

[0048] Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure,modification of this method and device can become clear to a personhaving ordinary skill in this particular art. Such modifications areclearly covered by this disclosure.

What is claimed and sought to be protected by Letters Patent of theUnited States is:
 1. A portable carrying case adapted to provide easyaccess to a plurality of items, comprising: (a) the portable carryingcase having a base and a holding mechanism; (b) the holding mechanismbeing secured to the base; (c) the holding mechanism being adapted toremovably receive at least one article; (d) the at least one articlebeing adapted to fit within the portable carrying case; (e) the portablecarrying case having a closing means in order to contain the at leastone article for transport; (f) the holding mechanism being adapted toremovably receive a securing means, the securing means being mounted ona single member of the group consisting of the at least one article inorder to removably position the at least one article on the holdingmechanism; (g) the portable carrying case being openable in order toprovide access to the at least one article for transport; and (h) theportable carrying case being closable in order to contain the at leastone article for transport.
 2. The portable carrying case of claim 1further comprising: (a) the base being formed of a flexible material;(b) the holding mechanism being formed of a flexible material; and (c)the holding mechanism forming part of a hook and loop assembly.
 3. Theportable carrying case of claim 2 further comprising: (a) the flexiblematerial being adapted for a rolled closure; (b) a closure device beingmounted on the flexible material; and (c) the closure device beingadapted to hold the flexible material in a rolled storage position. 4.The portable carrying case of claim 3 further comprising: (a) theholding mechanism being a hook portion of the hook and loop assembly;(b) the closure device being a hook and loop assembly; and (c) a mirrorbeing mounted on the flexible sheet.
 5. The portable carrying case ofclaim 1 further comprising: (a) the base being a semi-rigid case; (b)the semi-rigid case having a support stand and an implement face; (c)the support stand holding the implement face in an upright position; and(d) the support stand having at least one of the holding mechanismthereon.
 6. The portable carrying case of claim 5 further comprising:(a) the holding mechanism being adapted to receive at least one fixingdevice; (b) an angle of use providing a relationship between the supportstand and the implement face; and (c) the angle of use ranging fromabout nine degrees to about 14 degrees.
 7. The portable carrying case ofclaim 6 further comprising: (a) a fixing device from the at least onefixing device being secured to at least one item selected from the groupof at least one piece of office equipment and at least one cosmeticelement; and (b) the fixing device providing storage and accessibilityfor the at least one item.
 8. The portable carrying case of claim 7further comprising: (a) a mirror being secured to the implement face;(b) a movable means connecting the support stand to the implement face;and (c) the movable means providing a storage position and a useposition for the implement face.
 9. The portable carrying case of claim8 further comprising: (a) the movable means being a snap support; (b) anarcuate holder being on the implement adjacent to the snap support; and(c) a storage pouch being adapted to receive the portable carrying case.10. The portable carrying case of claim 1 further comprising: (a) aclosable carrying case having a center support with a double doorassembly mounted thereon; (b) the double door assembly including a firstdoor and a second door; (c) the first door being connected to the centersupport at a first side of the center support; (d) the second door beingconnected to the center support at a second side of the center support;(e) the first side of the center support being oppositely disposed fromthe second side of the center support.
 11. The portable carrying case ofclaim 10 further comprising: (a) a first hinge connecting the first doorto the first side of the center support; (b) a second hinge connectingthe second door to the second side of the center support; (c) a lockingmechanism securing the first door to the second door; (d) a mirrorsecured to center support; and (e) a framing device around at least onepart selected from the group consisting of the first door, the seconddoor; and the center support.
 12. The portable carrying case of claim 11further comprising: (a) the base being a fixed base; (b) the fixed basehaving a closing cover connected therewith; (c) the closing cover havinga first closing side and a second closing side; (d) the fixed basehaving a first fixed side and a second fixed side; (e) the first closingside being adjacent to the first fixed side; (f) the second closing sidebeing adjacent to the second fixed side; and (g) a connecting meansjoining the first closing side to the first fixed side.
 13. The portablecarrying case of claim 12 further comprising: (a) the connecting meansbeing a gusset; and (b) a latch assembly releasably connecting thesecond closing side to the second fixed side.
 13. A portable carryingcase adapted to provide easy access to a plurality of items, comprising:(a) the portable carrying case having a base and a holding mechanism;(b) the holding mechanism being secured to the base; (c) the holdingmechanism being adapted to removably receive at least one article; (d)the at least one article being adapted to fit within the portablecarrying case; (e) the portable carrying case having a closing means inorder to contain the at least one article for transport; (f) the holdingmechanism being adapted to removably receive a securing means, thesecuring means being mounted on a single member of the group consistingof the at least one article in order to removably position the at leastone article on the holding mechanism; (g) the portable carrying casebeing openable in order to provide access to the at least one articlefor transport; (h) the portable carrying case being closable in order tocontain the at least one article for transport; (i) the base being arollable material; (j) the holding mechanism being a hook portion of ahook and loop assembly; and (k) the securing means being a loop portionof a hook and loop assembly.
 14. The portable carrying case of claim 13further comprising: (a) a closure device being mounted on the flexiblematerial; (b) a mirror being mounted on the flexible sheet. (c) theflexible material having at least one of the holding mechanism thereon;(d) the holding mechanism being adapted to receive at least one fixingdevice; (e) an angle of use providing a relationship between the supportstand and the implement face; (f) a fixing device from the at least onefixing device being secured to at least one item selected from the groupof at least one piece of office equipment and at least one cosmeticelement; and (g) the fixing device providing storage and accessibilityfor the at least one item.
 15. The portable carrying case of claim 14further comprising the holding mechanism being continuous.
 16. Theportable carrying case of claim 14 further comprising the holdingmechanism being discontinuous.